SAN BENITO — After almost a year of being stashed away, money raised by the Rotary Club of San Benito is finally being put to use.
Local organizations were given a check recently by the club as a donation for their work in the community.
Money for the donations was raised during a fundraiser a year ago.
The Rotary Club held its first Kayak Regatta with the intention to use the money from the event to fund a disc golf course at a park in San Benito.
Plans for the park fell through leaving more than $9,000 set aside and untouched.
Club president Alma Ortiz said with the end of her term coming up, she wanted to use the money productively.
“We raised these funds with the intent of reinvesting them back into the community,” Ortiz said.
Board members from the local Rotary held a meeting to discuss the proper use of the money.
Four organizations were chosen, three local and one international, to receive the funds.
Almost half of the funds were designated to be given to the Boys and Girls Club of San Benito.
Cameron County Advocacy Center and Heroes Haven Veteran Services were also chosen for their work in the community.
“These are local organizations in much need of assistance,” Ortiz said.
Hands to Honduras, a subsidiary of the national Rotary Club, was also chosen as a recipient.
“We are about service above self and making a difference and we are excited to be helping these organizations that do so much in our community,” Ortiz said.
The board is currently working on plans for its upcoming regatta that had to be postponed due to a number of conflicting events in the community.
Ortiz said the event is still on the club’s radar, but they have not decided on a future date.
“It was a complete success last year and I think people are expecting to see this event every year,” Ortiz said.
Charities chosen
• Boys and Girls Club of San Benito: $4,000
• Cameron County Advocacy Center- Maggie’s House: $2,000
• Heroes Haven Veteran Services: $2,000
• Hands to Honduras: $1,000
